The Purus jacamar is a species of bird in the family Galbulidae. It is found in Bolivia, Brazil, and Peru.
Region
Western Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs along major and minor rivers and oxbow lakes in western Amazonia of Brazil, eastern Peru, and northern Bolivia. Prefers river-edge habitats, seasonally flooded várzea forest, river islands, and secondary growth near sandy or silty banks. It is commonly associated with open to semi-open forest edges where sunlight facilitates aerial insect activity. Often found in small territories along waterways, sometimes near human-altered clearings. Its range closely tracks lowland river systems and associated successional vegetation.
Altitude Range
50–400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Purus jacamar is a riverine specialist of the western Amazon, often seen perched upright along sunny forest edges and riverbanks. Like other jacamars, it hunts on the wing, sallying out to snatch butterflies, dragonflies, and other flying insects. It is named for the Purus River and is typically found near seasonally flooded forests and young successional growth.
Temperament
quiet, watchful, and often confiding
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick sallies from exposed perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups along river margins. Territorial pairs perch prominently and make frequent foraging sallies. Nesting is believed to occur in burrows excavated in earthen banks or similar friable substrates near water, with both adults attending the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives clear, high, whistled notes and short piping series delivered from open perches. Calls are simple but carry well over riverside habitats, often used in pair contact.
Plumage
Mostly uniform rich rufous-chestnut with a sleek, glossy texture; wings and tail slightly darker. Upright, slender silhouette with elongated tail and fine, straight bill typical of jacamars.
Diet
Primarily feeds on flying insects such as butterflies, moths, dragonflies, damselflies, bees, and wasps. It launches from a perch to catch prey in midair and often returns to the same perch. Larger prey may be subdued by beating against a branch before swallowing.
Preferred Environment
Forages along sunny riverbanks, forest edges, and openings where aerial insects are abundant. Frequently hunts above sandbars, river islands, and gaps in secondary growth near water.
